This week Assistant Labor Secretary Jane Oates visited with board members and staff of the Tulalip Tribes to learn how the Tribes dealt with labor agreements during the construction of their casino and resort hotel complex in Washington state. Oates offered praise for the way Tulalip handled labor agreements on the reservation and ensured Tribal members have employment opportunities.

“We hear nightmares about how some Tribes are not able to negotiate with labor unions,” Oates said. “The Tulalip Tribes did an amazing job, and we are here to learn from them.”

Oates’ tour included a visit to the Tulalip Tribal Employment Rights Office, which has a mission to protect preferential employment for tribal members and contracting rights on the reservation. The office also works to improve wages, training and career and contracting opportunities. Unemployment on reservations throughout the nation is a concern in President Barack Obama’s administration, Oates said. “It’s unacceptable that unemployment in Indian Country is five times what it is among non-Natives,” she said.

Tulalip board member Glen Gobin told Oates that myths, stereotypes and misconceptions about the tribal work force were dispelled during construction projects on the reservation. “We know that our Tribal members are our most valuable resource,” Tulalip Chairman Mel Sheldon said.

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mark lucas /usfinish employee -
October 8, 2010 7:33 AM

I worked with the tulalip tribe for three years. My boss built 91 residential units for low income housing for the tribe through tax credit programs. The question I have is, does the tribal board ever keep their word or do they screw every non native company by not paying them.

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Foster Pepper PLLC takes great pride in its long history of service to Native American and Alaska Native peoples and organizations. From public service legal programs to multi-million dollar finance and infrastructure projects, our firm works closely with Tribes and...More...